T’wolves yet to offer star an extension

Peter Vecsey
Follow Peter on Twitter

HOOP DU JOUR

Just when the must-see Ricky Rubio Timberwolves, the preeminent 2-3 team in NBA history, are becoming post-Kevin Garnett relevant, I got the call yesterday I didn’t want to hear.

According to the messenger, All-Star Kevin Love has not been offered an extension.

Think the double-double emperor’s feelings are bruised?

Think agent Jeff Schwartz might be putting the pressure on GM David Kahn and owner Glen Taylor to make a proposal pronto?

You got that right; according to my source, if one isn’t submitted by Jan. 15, 10 days before the league deadline to enrich players in Love’s position (Russell Westbrook is another), then don’t bother.

AP

ON BOARD? Forward Kevin Love, who has not received a contract extension offer from the resurgent Timberwolves, leaps over DeJuan Blair for one of his 15 rebounds in last night’s 106-96 win over the Spurs.

Supposedly, the restricted free agent — back for season four in superior shape and with amplified area-code accuracy — then will refuse to re-sign this summer or, if things are prolonged, the one after.

Obviously, Kahn and Taylor are not going to let that happen. Obviously, they’re not going to bungle this million dollar baby. Obviously, they’re going to do the right thing.

Come on, this is easy.

After a mortifying four-year term, the Timberwolves have assembled a cluster of legitimate playoff pieces. Think management is going to mess this up?

The additions of Rubio and Derrick Williams impeccably supplement Love, Michael Beasley (OK, I’m being kind; he continues to shoot too many unsavory shots), Darko Milicic, Anthony Tolliver, Anthony Randolph, Wesley Johnson and Luke Ridnour. And Rick Adelman and his staff are there to guide and comfort them.

Now is not the time Love should be remotely leaning to leave.

For the first time in his college and pro career, he has a coach who understands the value of keeping him close to the boards on defense (vs. showing 20 to 25 feet away) and putting the ball in his hands when circumstances shriek for cold-blooded makes.

With all due respect to Ridnour, whose creativity is limited and judgment suspect (feeding Beasley the ball outside three straight times makes it all worthless), it’s also the first time Love is runnin’ with Wolves who flaunt a miracle whip pack leader in Rubio whose adroit looks give everyone an enhanced chance to score.

That includes Love, who now boasts a graceful step-back from beyond high tide (5-for-6 on 3-pointers in Sunday’s win over Dallas). During a crucial fourth-quarter stretch after the Mavericks had closed a 15-point deficit to 84-82 with 5:03 remaining, Love delivered back-to-back from off-shore.

Following a Randolph corner 22-footer, Rubio (14 points, seven assists) and Love (averaging 25 points and 15.2 rebounds; career averages: 15.2 and 11.8) pooled their intellect for a captivating, wrap-around bounce pass in traffic and layup finish.